Apple reveals why watchOS 27 will be limited to Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer models

Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC, the next major operating system update for the Apple Watch, which is expected to be released this fall. The update primarily introduces new AI features, such as the brand-new Siri AI app, which resembles chatbots like ChatGPT, as well as an improved Workout Buddy. However, the operating system requires at least an Apple Watch Ultra 2, an Apple Watch Series 9, or an Apple Watch SE 3 ($219 on Amazon).

This means watchOS 27 can be installed on three fewer generations of Apple Watches than watchOS 26 – the Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2, and even the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from 2022 will no longer receive feature updates. Speaking to TechRadar, David Clark, who is responsible for watchOS development, explained the reasons behind this decision. According to him, Siri AI and the new tap gesture work “best” when the processing power of the Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models is available. 

Apple is thus once again limiting an AI feature to relatively new hardware, likely not least to encourage users of older models to upgrade. The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, and 8 use a technically identical processor that is still based on the architecture of the Apple A13 from 2019. It wasn’t until the Apple S9 in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 that a new chip was introduced, which remained unchanged through the Series 11. As our benchmarks show, the newer chip is up to 52 percent faster. According to David Clark, releasing watchOS 27 without Siri AI for older models would not have been an option, as Apple aims to offer the same version of Siri across all platforms.